The Hellenic Initiative celebrated 10 years of presence – Feel Therapeutics Winner of the Venture Fair

Some of the most promising Greek start-ups presented their proposals to investors from Greece and around the world at The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) Venture Fair, which is the only American-style event of its kind in Greece and held in person on July 11, at the Great Britain Hotel. In this context, the attendees watched two extremely interesting panels. One on the topic of the energy sector with speakers Mr. A. Patelis, G. Stassi and A. Liveri and one on the topic of entrepreneurship and the dynamics of the Greek ecosystem with speakers Mr. M. Kornaros and A. Fotakidis with participation of Messrs. Hatzigeorgiou and Alivizatos from Skroutz’s side.

The winner was Feel Therapeutics, which received the cash prize of 25,000 dollars sponsored by The Hellenic Initiative and PPC. The startup in question is developing digital therapeutic protocols to bring objective data and metrics to the way Mental Health is diagnosed and managed. Their digital wellness programs as well as their treatment programs for stress, depression and anxiety combine remote monitoring, using a proprietary wearable device capable of sensing emotions, and digital interventions to provide preventive interventions and mental health support to level 24/7. The company is backed by leading investors (such as Felicis, Anthemis, SOSV) and already works with major pharmaceutical and insurance companies and employers in the US and Germany. It is also worth noting that the rest of the start-up companies that competed represent some of the most promising startups in Greece and aim to “raise” funding of 2-5 million euros. The reason for Bespot, Bibecoffee, InAccel, Meazon, Moptil, Morphoses, Pobuca, Superbo and 100 mentors.

In the evening of the same day, The Hellenic Initiative hosted a cocktail reception at Zappeio Megaro where friends, participants and supporters of the wider “THI family”, members of the Greek Diaspora from the USA and all over the world, attended. as well as senior executives of the most important Greek companies. Among the VIPs who attended the reception were the new US ambassador to Greece Mr. George Tsounis, the princely couple Nikolaos and Tatiana, as well as a number of important personalities of the political, social and business life of Greece. Guests also had the opportunity to meet Venture Fair 2022 participants, as well as award winners from past events.

Andrew Liveris, THI Board Chairman and George Stamas, THI Board President jointly stated: “The last few days have been a celebration of the amazing journey of The Hellenic Initiative with its partners and supporters. We have changed the way the Diaspora sees Greece .We have helped Greeks in need.We have created jobs and opportunities in Greece.We are part of restoring Greek pride and its place in the international community.We have much more to do and achieve, and what we have all experienced these days is how ready we all are to take this amazing collaboration, between THI and Greece, to the next level. All together!”

Bill Clinton, former president of the United States of America, said in a taped message: “Since its inception – in the midst of a deep economic crisis – The Hellenic Initiative has been an important partner of the Greek people in helping to recover, create prosperity and addressing major challenges such as the needs of social welfare and the pandemic. The common denominator of all these actions, however, is the strengthening of Diaspora ties and Greek-American friendship. At a time when people around the world are moving away from each other, The Hellenic Initiative promotes cooperation, solidarity and uniting people for a better common future. We work together to build together, not to tear down.”

Mrs. Marianna Vardinogianni, Founder and President of the Friends of Children with Cancer “Elpida” Association, the “Marianna V. Vardinogianni” Foundation and the “Orama Elpida” Association, also stated through a recorded message: “What makes THI’s work unique is the fact that each of its members share the same vision. The vision to create and invest for a better future for Greece. I personally feel very honored, as a member of the Board of Directors of The Hellenic Initiative, and grateful for the support it has received the “Vision of Hope”.

Finally, it is worth noting that the following day, on July 12, the new “Plant a Tree” program of THI organized a morning volunteer event in Ymittos to take care of more than 2,200 trees planted by THI last May, as part of the ongoing campaign for reforestation of the areas affected by the 2021 fires and to improve the quality of life. A total of 4,200 trees have been planted so far under the auspices of THI’s specific program, and new tree planting is expected to take place next fall.